Swimming pool with lock-on rails

ABSTRACT

AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL INCLUDES A CONTINUOUS CLOSED SIDE WALL FORMED OF METAL AND ORIENTED IN UPRIGHT RELATION. AN IMPERVIOUS FLEXIBLE PLASTIC LINER IS SECURED TO THE UPPER EDGE OF THE SIDE WALL BY TELESCOPIC TOP RAILS. THE SIDE WALL IS PROVIDED WITH OUTWARDLY PROJECTING PROTUBERANCES WHICH RELEASABLY ENGAGE THE TOP RAILS WITH SNAP COUPLING EFFECT TO RELEASABLY INTERLOCK THE SIDE WALL TO THE RAILS. TELESCOPING BOTTOM RAILS MAY ALSO BE PROVIDED IF DESIRED AND SUCH BOTTOM RAILS WIL ALSO ENGAGE AND INTERLOCK WITH PROTUBERANCES ON THE SIDE WALL.

Feb. 16; 1971 A. l.. WALL..

SWIMMING POOL WITH LOCK-0N RAILS Filed March 7, 1969 ma `N4 r www m2 e, 4M VBI/ United States Patent O 3,562,822 SWIMMING POOL WITH LOCK-N RAILS Arvel L. Wall, Helena, Ark., assigner to Doughboy Industries, Inc., New Richmond, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Filed Mar. 7, 1969, Ser. No. 805,246 Int. Cl. E04h 3/16 U.S. Cl. 4172.19 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An above-ground pool includes a continuous closed side wall formed of metal and oriented in upright relation. An impervious flexible plastic liner is secured to the upper edge of the side wall by telescopic top rails. The side wall is provided With outwardly projecting protuberances which releasably engage the top rails with snap coupling effect to releasably interlock the side wall to the rails. Telescoping bottom rails may also be provided if desired and such bottom rails will also engage and interlock with protuberances on the side wall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide` the metallic side wall of an above-ground swimming pool with outwardly projecting protuberances for releasably engaging the channel shaped top rail of the swimming pool so that the top rail is held in place in clamped relation with respect to the swimming pool liner. This interlocking feature between the top rail and side wall of the swimming pool holds the top rails in place and eliminates the need for vertical support members, such as legs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING FIG. l is a perspective View of a swimming pool embodying the novel features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken approximately along line 2 2 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows,

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevation view of a portion of the side walls illustrating the location and configuration of the protuberances associated therewith,

FIG. 4 illustrates a slight modification of the side wall of the swimming pool,

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modified form of the invention illustrating the side wall interlocked with both top and bottom rails, and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a modified form of the bottom rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIGS. l, 2 and 3, it will be seen that one modification of the novel above-ground swimming pool, designated by the reference numeral 10, is thereshown. The swimming pool 10 is comprised of a vertically oriented continuous side wall 11 preferably formed of corrugated sheet steel. In the embodiment shown, the swimming pool is of generally cylindrical configuration and the adjacent ends of the sheet steel are joined together by a channel shaped joint piece (not shown) of the type used, for example, in the swimming pools manufactured and sold by Doughboy Industries, Inc., and known in the trade as Splasher Pools and Montego Family Size Pools. It is pointed out that the swimming pool may have configurations other than the cylindrical configurations shown.

The lower edges of the side wall 11 engage the surface of the` ground and the upper edge of the side wall has a plurality of elongate similar top rail members 12 3,562,822 Patented Feb. 16, 1971 applied thereto as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. It will be noted that the top rail members 12 telescopically engage each other so that alternate rail members vary slightly in cross-sectional size. Thus each top rail member either has opposite ends thereof projecting interiorly of two adjacent top rail members or alternatively receives opposite ends of adjacent top rail members therein. Each top rail member includes a web portion 13 having a pair of vertical iianges 14 integrally formed therewith and depending therefrom. Each vertical flange 14 has an inturned ange 15 integrally formed therewith and projecting inwardly therefrom and these inturned flanges 15 terminate in terminal flanges 16. The terminal flanges 16 are of arcuate configuration and are normally vertically oriented with the concavity thereof facing inwardly. The terminal flanges are spaced apart to dene a slot 17 throughout the length of each top rail whereby the top rails are of generally channel shaped configuration. It will also be noted that each top rail in the embodiment shown is arcuate bent or bowed in a longitudinal direction.

The swimming pool 10 also includes a flexible liner formed of an impervious plastic material which has its peripheral edges folded over the top edge of the side Wall 11. The impervious flexible liner 18 depends downwardly from the side wall and has a major portion of its area positioned upon the surface of the ground in a manner well known in the swimming pool art. It is pointed out that although the ground surface upon which the liner is positioned is preferably level, the surface of the ground adjacent the inner lower edge of the side wall may be inclined inwardly and outwardly.

A plurality of coping elements 19 of generally channel shaped configuration are urged downwardly in seated relation upon the upper peripheral edge of the side wall to clamp the marginal edge portions of the line upon the side wall. The coping elements are formed of liexible plastic and are preferably arranged in end to end relation upon the upper edge of the side wall. The top rail members 12 are then seated upon the upper edge of the side wall.

In many commercial above-ground type swimming pools, vertical legs or other vertical support members are provided but which primarily serve to interlock with the top rails as well as bottom rails so that the top rails are held in place on the side wall. In the embodiment of FIGS. l, 2 and 3, means are provided for releasably but positively locking the top rail members in seated relation upon the upper edge of the side wall without the need of additional vertical supports.

To this end, it will be seen that the side wall 11 has a plurality of protuberances 20 formed therein and these protuberances are longitudinally spaced apart adjacent but spaced downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the side wall. -In the embodiment shown in FIGS. l, 2, and 3, the protuberances are of generally circular configuration and alternately project outwardly from opposite surfaces of the side wall. The protuberances are dimensioned so that a slot 17 in each top rail may be forced downwardly in snap coupling relation beyond the protuberances as best seen in FIG. 2. Thus the top rail members are held in place by frictional snap coupling relation with respect to these side walls.

With this arrangement, the top rail members may not be accidentally displaced from their seated relation upon the side wall but may be forcibly removed therefrom since the top rail members are merely releasably interlocked therewith. By arranging two protuberances in alternately and oppositely projecting relation with respect to each other, the side wall 11 may be nicely rolled into a relatively tight uniform roll. The use of oppositely disposed protuberances permits the use of rails which have a relatively large slot. Further, the use of oppositely disposed protuberances permits greater flexing of the side wall during insertion of the side wall into the rails. It will be noted that the lembodiment of FIG. 1 has no vertical leg supports nor is there any bottom rails engaging the lower peripheral edge of the side wall. However, the top rail members are firmly but releasably held in place on the side wall and this arrangement permits the swimming pool to be very economically constructed.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that a slightly modified form of the side wall is thereshown and this modified form of the side wall is designated by the reference numeral 12a. The protuberances of the side wall 12a are designated by the reference numeral 20a and, as shown, are of generally elongate configuration with the length dimension of the protuberances extending longitudinally of the side wall. The protuberances in the embodiment of FIG. 4 also alternately project oppositely from opposite surfaces of the side wall, although it is pointed out that the protuberances may be arranged to project outwardly from only one surface thereof. As pointed out above, it is desirable to have the protuberances project outwardly from opposite surfaces thereof to permit uniform tight rolling of the side wall to facilitate shipping thereof. Although the protuberances illustrated in the .embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 4 have been of round and generally oval conguration, any desirable configuration for the protuberances may be utilized.

Referring now to FIG. 5, it will be seen that a slightly different embodiment of the swimming pool is thereshown, and this swimming pool is designated generally by the reference numeral b. The swimming pool 10b includes an elongate metallic corrugated side wall 11b identical in construction to that shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, which is provided with top rail members 12b identical in construction to the top rail members 12 of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Thus the top rail members include a web portion 13b, vertical flanges 14b, inturned flanges 15b integrally formed with the vertical flanges 14b and terminal flanges 1'6b which are spaced apart to define a slot 17h. The top rails will be alternately larger and smaller in cross-sectional size with respect to each other to permit the telescoping relation to be effected. The swimming pool also includes an impervious flexible liner 18b which has its outer peripheral edge folded over the upper peripheral edge of the side wall 11b and clamped thereon by suitable coping elements 19b.

The swimming pool 10b also includes a plurality of telescopically interconnected bottom rail members 2lb identical in construction to lthe top rail members 12b and receiving the lower peripheral edge of the side walls 11b therein. Thus each bottom rail member 2lb includes a web portion 22b, vertical flanges 23b, inturned flanges 24h, and generally vertically oriented arcuate terminal flanges 25b. The terminal flanges 25b are spaced apart to define a slot 26b which receives a lower edge of a side wall 11b.

The swimming pool 10b is also provided with a plurality of vertically oriented elongate vertical support or legs 27b formed of suitable rigid metallic material and 'each having a flattened upper end portion 28b which projects through the slot 17b and is positioned interiorly of the adjacent coping element 19b. The lower end portion of each leg member 27b is also flattened as at 29b and is oppositely bent to embrace the lower edge portion of the side wall 11b. It will be noted that the flattened lower end portion 29h also projects into the slot of the adjacent lower rail member. The vertical legs may be spaced apart throughout the periphery of the swimming pool and strengthen the vertical wall 11b as well as imparting an ornamental effect.

The side wall 11b is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart and oppositely projecting protuberances 2011 adjacent the upper peripheral edge thereof and a plurality of protuberances 20h adjacent :but spaced from the lower peripheral edge thereof. With this arrangement,

the side wall is releasably locked with respect to both the top and bottom rail members.

It is pointed out that one embodiment of the top and bottom rail members has been illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, and these rail members are of generally channel-shaped configuration. It is also pointed out that the particular configuration of the top and bottom rails may be different from that shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. To this end, reference is now made to FIG. 6 wherein a `bottom rail is thereshown and is designated by the reference numeral 21C.

This bottom rail 21C includes a web portion 22C, and opposed substantially parallel vertical flanges 23C, which are integrally formed with the web portion 22C. One of the flanges 23C is provided with an inturned flange 24e` which terminates in a terminal flange 25C which is spaced from but substantially parallel to the other vertical flange 24C. Thus a slot 26C is defined for receiving the lower peripheral edge portion of the side wall 11C.

The side wall 11C is provided with outwardly projecting protuberances 20c which are longitudinally spaced apart and which project outwardly from opposite sides of the side wall. The protuberances are adjacent but spaced from the lower peripheral edge of the side wall 11C and cooperate with the bottom rail to permit the side wall to be seated in the bottom rails with snap coupling effect. It is pointed out that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, vertical legs or support members are also used in conjunction with the side Wall. Installation of the pool is facilitated by using bottom rails in coacting relation to the protuberances on the side Wall. During installation the bottom rails will be interconnected `by locking connectors and the rails and connectors will be arranged in an annular pattern. When the side wall is interlocked with the rails, the wall is prevented from falling over.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that l have provided a swimming pool having a unique interlock means for interlocking the top rails and bottom rails, if desired with the corrugated metallic side walls. This novel interlock means eliminates the need for vertical support members which are commonly used with above-ground swimming pools.

Thus it will be seen that I have provided a novel aboveground swimming pool, which is not only of simple and inexpensive construction, but one which has features not found in comparable structures.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts without departing from the scope of my invention.

What I claim is:

1. The above-ground swimming pool comprising,

a generally vertically oriented elongate closed side Wall` formed of a rigid material,

a flexible impervious liner positioned interiorly of said side wall and having its marginal portions folded over the top edges of said sidewall, a plurality of channel-shaped retaining elements engaging the folded marginal portions of said liner and seated upon the upper edge of said side wall, plurality of elongate telescopically inter-connected generally horizontally oriented top rails of generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, and each having a downwardly facing slot therein throughout the length thereof for receiving the upper peripheral edge portions of said wall therein to thereby seat upon the upper peripheral edge portion of the side wall, said side wall having a plurality of spaced apart protuberances projecting outwardly therefrom adjacent `the upper peripheral edge portion thereof, said protuberances being located completely around the upper peripheral portion of the side wall,

and locking means on each of said top rails cooperatively engaging the protuberances on said side wall to releasably interlock the top rails on said side wall.

2. The swimming pool as defined in claim 1 wherein said protuberances project outwardly from opposite surfaces of said side wall.

3. The swimming pool as defined in claim 1 wherein said locking means on each side rail comprises an elongate generally vertically oriented flange element which at least partially delines said slot in each top rail.

4. The swimming pool as defined in claim 1 wherein said protuberances project outwardly from opposite sides of said side wall and are longitudinally aligned with respect to cach other, and said locking means on each of said side rails comprises a pair of vertically oriented flanges which cooperate with each other to define said slot.

5. The swimming pool as defined in claim 1 and a plurality of elongate telescopcally interconnected generally horizontally oriented bottom rails of generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, and each having an upwardly facing slot therein throughout substantially the length thereof for receiving a lower peripheral edge portion of said side wall therein whereby said side wall is seated within said bottom rails,

said side wall having a plurality of proturberances projecting outwardly therefrom adjacent the lower peripheral edge thereof, and locking means on said bottom rails cooperatively engaging said last-mentioned protuberances on said sidewall to releasably interlock the bottom rail to said side wall.

6. The swimming pool as defined in claim 5 and a plurality of spaced apart vertical support members each extending between and engaging a top rail and a bottom rail.

7. The swimming pool as defined in claim 1 wherein said protuberances are of elongate configuration and extend longitudinally of said side wall.

8. The swimming pool as defined in claim 1 wherein said protuberances are of generally circular configuration.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,225,362 12/1965 Barrera 4-172.19 3,233,251 2/1966 Barrera 4-172.19 3,268,917 8/1966 Diamond et al 4-172.19 3,274,621 9/1966 Diamond et al 4-172.19 3,280,408 10/1966 Gersham 4 172.19 3,409,916 `11/1968 Billig et al. 4-172.19

LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner H. K. ARTIS, Assistant Examiner i 

